Sheffield taxi drivers under attack by youths targeting cars across city
Taxi drivers say they are being targeted by youths in Sheffield
Taxi drivers in Sheffield say they are being repeatedly targeted by groups of youths throwing stones at their vehicles, with some claiming the attacks happen almost every day in some parts of the city.
Drivers said they have suffered smashed windows and dents, while some passengers have narrowly avoided being hit by missiles.
Several drivers said they have reported incidents to South Yorkshire Police but believe not enough is being done to prevent the attacks.
One driver, Mohammad Shafiq said he had experienced multiple incidents.
He said: "I have stones thrown at my car often.
“It makes you feel unsafe because you're just trying to do your job.
"We report it, but nothing seems to change. The next day it's the same thing again."
He said taxi drivers often feel forced to avoid certain areas during busy periods because of the risk of being targeted.
Another Sheffield taxi driver, Muhammad Azhar, said the problem is particularly common after school and during the summer months.
He said: "It happens almost every single day. The children throw stones, smash windows and then run away.
“Sometimes they're on bikes or electric scooters so they're gone before anyone can catch them.
"A lot of drivers have had their windows smashed - my own car has dents from stones being thrown at it."
He claimed the attacks frequently happen around Parson Cross, including near Chaucer School and Farmfoods, as well as in parts of Shiregreen, Southey Green and Woodthorpe.
He said passengers have also been put at risk.
"One customer was nearly hit by a stone while we were driving and she called the police herself, because she said someone could have been seriously injured,” he said.
"Another time someone threw an apple which hit me in the head while I was waiting for a job. I had to finish my work day early because my head was hurting."
Drivers said some customers now ask them to avoid certain routes because they are aware of the problem.
Muhammad said: "If we see groups of children standing there, we often turn around and go another way. It costs us time and money, but it's better than having a smashed window.
"A £4 fare isn't worth risking hundreds of pounds in damage.
“Sometimes it is hard to explain this to customers - but it is in their interest too.”
When asked why taxi drivers are singled out, he said: "We're licensed drivers - we can't get out of the car or confront anyone because we could lose our licence.
“They know that, so they target us."
The drivers have called for more visible policing in the worst-affected areas near Parson Cross, particularly after school and during the evenings.
They have suggested officers carrying out targeted patrols or using CCTV to identify those responsible.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “On 18 February and 21 March we received two reports of youths throwing items at a vehicle on Wordsworth Avenue, Sheffield.
“We received a further report on 27 March of youths attempting to cause vehicles to stop at traffic lights at the same location so that they could throw items at them.
“Officers have investigated these incidents and carried out CCTV trawls and enquiries in the local area, but the suspects have not yet been identified.
“A patrol plan has been in place throughout the year to deter further incidents in Parson Cross, and officers are continuing to investigate reports of youths targeting vehicles in the area.
“We recognise that anti-social behaviour is a concern for our communities and can have a significant impact on people's lives.
“We are taking robust action to tackle antisocial behaviour, including implementing a dedicated problem-solving approach in specific locations we know unfortunately experience higher rates.
“If you have information relating to these offences, report to us online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 471 of 21 March 2026. If you have concerns about other incidents of anti-social behaviour, please report to us via the same channels. We will thoroughly investigate all reports.”